PREPARED BY, 
ROSHNI ANN BABY 
M.PHARM PART I
Introduction 
 Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the fundamental 
building component of all living cells. 
 Our characteristics, traits and physical features are 
determined by the specific arrangement of DNA 
base-pair sequences in the cell. 
 It is this distinct arrangement of adenine, guanine, 
thymine and cytosine (called DNA nucleotides) 
that regulates the production of specific proteins 
and enzymes via the Central Dogma Theory.
Structural relationship among chromosomes, DNA 
and genes 
4 
1. Cells are the basic building blocks 
of all living things. 
2. In a cell, DNA (deoxyribonucleic 
acid) is packaged in chromosomes 
within the nucleus. 
3. DNA is a large, polymeric 
molecule. 
4. A gene is a segment of DNA 
molecule of a chromosome. It is 
the basic unit of heredity. Genes 
determine the body characteristics 
of an organism. 
5. Each inherited characteristic is 
controlled by one or several genes.
 DNA arrangement is uniform throughout the 
organism, irrespective of the organ. If the DNA 
from the hair, organs or any body fluid such as 
blood, saliva or semen, of a particular organism 
were analyzed, the result would be similar profiles 
from each. 
 This profile is as unique as a fingerprint; it is specific to 
that individual.
APPLICATIONS 
 To identify and indict suspects in criminal 
investigations. 
 As a legal tool to determine parentage. 
 Used in combination with forensic and medical 
evidence. 
 To determine the ancestry of plants, animals and other 
microorganisms and to identify variation between 
strains. 
Eg:fraudulent adulteration of Chianti wines with inferior 
quality grapes
In standardization of herbal 
drugs 
 The varying drug content of different species of herbal 
plants. 
 A particular plant from a region can be linked to a 
specific drug content and thus have a therapeutic value 
assigned to it. 
 Factors such as soil, climate and adaptability affect its 
drug content. 
 In such cases, there are observed variations in the 
genetic composition of the plant.
 Two factors affect the final drug quality: 
(1) The variability with respect to strain-specific drug 
content; 
(2) The potential adulteration of plant drugs with 
extracts from plants that have lower drug content. 
 Typical Eg: The bark of Cinchona grown in the plains 
contains quinine, which is therapeutically active. The 
same species of tree grown on hilltops and slopes looks 
morphologically similar but has no active quinine.
Chemoprofiling and biomarkers 
Using chemical fingerprinting, plants can be demarcated 
on the basis of their species, strain and geographical origin. 
Using chromatographic techniques like (HPTLC) and 
(HPLC), a profile of their various chemical constituents is 
obtained. This is called chemoprofiling. 
 Chemical constituents are isolated based on their affinities 
for particular organic solvents in an increasing order of 
polarity. They are resolved using suitable colouring 
reagents, resulting in characteristic patterns. 
 The compound specific to that species (sterol, terpenoid, 
alkaloid, etc.) is characterized as a chemical marker. Some 
examples of this are ginsengosides for ginseng 
and hypericin for St. John’s wort.
Demerits of chemical 
fingerprinting 
 Not all plants contain a unique chemical compound. 
Even if there is a unique marker, it may not be 
biologically active. There is a significant overlap of 
many molecules, especially phenolics and sterols. 
 Additional techniques are required to profile natural 
drugs, particularly when profiling the genotypic 
differences.
Factors affecting DNA 
fingerprinting 
 sequence or restriction site data 
 taxonomic level of study 
 the level at which the study is being done (species, 
genera, etc.) 
 robustness and reproducibility of the method 
 effectiveness in terms of cost and time 
 availability of DNA.
Polymerase Chain Reaction 
(PCR) 
 Invented by KaryMullis in 1983 
 PCR is a method used to generate billions of copies of 
genomic DNA within a very short time. This 
amplification is useful in criminal cases where there 
are miniscule amounts of DNA available. 
 Today PCR finds application in almost all aspects of 
biomedicine. PCR has been used for the detection of 
many pathogenic organisms, from bacteria to viruses.
Techniques used in DNA Fingerprinting 
Microsatellites 
 Simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 1 to 6 nucleotides in 
length, which show a high degree of polymorphism. 
Specific microsatellites can be isolated using 
hybridized probes followed by their sequencing. 
 Like any DNA fragment, SSRs can be detected by 
specific dyes or by radiolabelling using gel 
electrophoresis. 
 The advantage of using SSRs as molecular markers is 
the extent of polymorphism shown, which enables the 
detection of differences at multiple loci between 
strains .Coupled with chemical and morphological 
data, we can identify the plant species or strain of 
interest.
 The main advantage of using SSRs for fingerprinting is 
that small amounts of DNA are required compared to 
the restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) 
method. This is due to the large amounts of SSRs 
present in any genome. 
 Further, assays involving SSRs are more robust than 
random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs), 
making them up to seven times more efficient. 
 A drawback to using SSRs is the need to develop 
separate SSR primer sets for each species. The latest 
research suggests that SSRs will be involved in new 
methods of detection of alterations of specific 
sequences in the DNA.
Restriction fragment length polymorphisms 
 Unequal lengths of DNA fragments obtained by 
cutting Variable Number of Tandem Repeat (VNTRs) 
sequences up to 30 sequences long with restriction 
enzymes at specific sites. 
 VNTRs vary between plant species, as do the number 
and location of restriction enzyme-recognition sites. 
 On an agarose gel, RFLPs can be visualized using 
radiolabeled complementary DNA sequences. 
 There is no need for PCR amplification of DNA in this 
method. A routine southern blot experiment is used 
instead.
 Normally, RFLPs are used to identify the origins of a 
particular plant species, setting the stage for mapping 
its evolution. 
 There are some problems with the RFLP method of 
DNA fingerprinting. First, the results do not 
specifically indicate the chance of a match between 
two organisms. Secondly, the process involves a lot of 
money and labor, which not many laboratories can 
afford. Finally, unlike the microsatellites, a few loci in 
the assay must suffice.
21 
Electrophoresis 
 DNA fragments of different sizes can be separated by 
using gel electrophoresis. 
 DNA fragments carry negative charges. When there is 
a current flow, DNA fragments move towards the 
anode. 
Source: Science Education Section, 
CDI, EDB.
22 
Outline of Electrophoresis 
1. DNA fragments are loaded into 
“wells” in a gel. The gel floats in a 
buffer solution within a chamber 
between two electrodes. 
2. When an electric current is 
passed through the chamber, 
negatively charged fragments 
move towards the positive 
terminal. 
3. Shorter DNA fragments (smaller 
size) move faster than the longer 
ones (bigger size). 
4. In a given time, DNA fragments 
are separated into bands 
according to their size. 
“wells” 
Source: Science Education 
Section, CDI, EDB. 
Source: Science Education 
Section, CDI, EDB.
Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) 
 A PCR-based derivative method of RFLP in which 
sequences are selectively amplified using primers. It is 
a reliable and efficient method of detecting molecular 
markers. 
 DNA is cut with two restriction enzymes to generate 
specific sequences, which are then amplified suitably. 
The mere addition or deletion of bases at the 3′ end 
determines the selectivity and complexity of the 
amplification 4. 
 By using AFLP, it is possible to evaluate more loci than 
with RFLP or RAPD. AFLP is also capable of 
determining a large number of polymorphisms. 
Similar to SSRs, AFLP-based assays are cost-effective 
and can be automated.
Random amplified polymorphic DNA is 
 One of the most commonly used primary assays for 
screening the differences in DNA sequences of two 
species of plants. 
 RAPD consists of fishing for the sequence using 
random amplification. Here, plant genomic DNA is cut 
and amplified using short single primers at low 
annealing temperatures, resulting in amplification at 
multiple loci.
 By running a 2-dimensional electrophoresis gel, it is 
possible to determine the change in sequence pattern 
by superimposing the 2 gels. Once the band of interest 
is identified, the gel is cut, and the DNA is isolated 
and sequenced. 
 Using this target, DNA from other cultivars can be 
assessed using other techniques such as AFLP or SSRs. 
It is also more cost effective than RFLPs. RAPDs lack 
specificity, however, due to low annealing 
temperatures and easier reaction conditions.
 Other Methods include the use of single nucleotide 
polymorphs (SNPs), DNA amplification fingerprinting 
(DAF) and their offshoots. Although these techniques 
vary slightly from each other, they operate on the same 
principle.
CONCLUSION 
 DNA fingerprinting, apart from identifying alterations 
in the genotypes of plant species, is also used for the 
betterment of drug-yield by tissue culturing. 
 DNA of interest can be stored as germplasm, which is 
then used for future cultivation. 
 In addition, germplasmcan be used for the 
conservation of selected plant species, which are 
endangered such as Rauwolfia serpentina (Snake 
Root). 
 DNA fingerprinting of herbal drugs, though still in its 
early years, seems to be a promising tool for the 
authentication of medicinal plant species and for 
ensuring better quality herbs and nutraceuticals.
References 
 1. Breithaupt, H. (2003) Back to the roots EMBO Rep 
4(1): 10-12. 
2. Mihalov, J. J., Marderosian, A. D., and Pierce, J. C. 
(2000) DNA identification of commercial ginseng 
samples J Agric Food Chem 48(8): 3744-3752. 
3. Henry, R J. (2001) Plant Genotyping: The DNA 
fingerprinting of Plants, CABI Publishing, New York. 
4. Ha, W. Y., Shaw, P. C., Liu, J., Yau, F. C., and Wang, J. 
(2002) Authentication of Panax ginseng and Panax 
quinquefolius using amplified fragment length 
polymorphism (AFLP) and directed amplification of 
minisatellite region DNA (DAMD) J Agric Food Chem 
50(7): 1871-1875.

Role of biomarkers and dna fingerprinting in herbal drug standardisation

  • 2.
    PREPARED BY, ROSHNIANN BABY M.PHARM PART I
  • 3.
    Introduction  Deoxyribonucleicacid (DNA) is the fundamental building component of all living cells.  Our characteristics, traits and physical features are determined by the specific arrangement of DNA base-pair sequences in the cell.  It is this distinct arrangement of adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine (called DNA nucleotides) that regulates the production of specific proteins and enzymes via the Central Dogma Theory.
  • 4.
    Structural relationship amongchromosomes, DNA and genes 4 1. Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. 2. In a cell, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is packaged in chromosomes within the nucleus. 3. DNA is a large, polymeric molecule. 4. A gene is a segment of DNA molecule of a chromosome. It is the basic unit of heredity. Genes determine the body characteristics of an organism. 5. Each inherited characteristic is controlled by one or several genes.
  • 6.
     DNA arrangementis uniform throughout the organism, irrespective of the organ. If the DNA from the hair, organs or any body fluid such as blood, saliva or semen, of a particular organism were analyzed, the result would be similar profiles from each.  This profile is as unique as a fingerprint; it is specific to that individual.
  • 7.
    APPLICATIONS  Toidentify and indict suspects in criminal investigations.  As a legal tool to determine parentage.  Used in combination with forensic and medical evidence.  To determine the ancestry of plants, animals and other microorganisms and to identify variation between strains. Eg:fraudulent adulteration of Chianti wines with inferior quality grapes
  • 8.
    In standardization ofherbal drugs  The varying drug content of different species of herbal plants.  A particular plant from a region can be linked to a specific drug content and thus have a therapeutic value assigned to it.  Factors such as soil, climate and adaptability affect its drug content.  In such cases, there are observed variations in the genetic composition of the plant.
  • 9.
     Two factorsaffect the final drug quality: (1) The variability with respect to strain-specific drug content; (2) The potential adulteration of plant drugs with extracts from plants that have lower drug content.  Typical Eg: The bark of Cinchona grown in the plains contains quinine, which is therapeutically active. The same species of tree grown on hilltops and slopes looks morphologically similar but has no active quinine.
  • 10.
    Chemoprofiling and biomarkers Using chemical fingerprinting, plants can be demarcated on the basis of their species, strain and geographical origin. Using chromatographic techniques like (HPTLC) and (HPLC), a profile of their various chemical constituents is obtained. This is called chemoprofiling.  Chemical constituents are isolated based on their affinities for particular organic solvents in an increasing order of polarity. They are resolved using suitable colouring reagents, resulting in characteristic patterns.  The compound specific to that species (sterol, terpenoid, alkaloid, etc.) is characterized as a chemical marker. Some examples of this are ginsengosides for ginseng and hypericin for St. John’s wort.
  • 11.
    Demerits of chemical fingerprinting  Not all plants contain a unique chemical compound. Even if there is a unique marker, it may not be biologically active. There is a significant overlap of many molecules, especially phenolics and sterols.  Additional techniques are required to profile natural drugs, particularly when profiling the genotypic differences.
  • 12.
    Factors affecting DNA fingerprinting  sequence or restriction site data  taxonomic level of study  the level at which the study is being done (species, genera, etc.)  robustness and reproducibility of the method  effectiveness in terms of cost and time  availability of DNA.
  • 13.
    Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)  Invented by KaryMullis in 1983  PCR is a method used to generate billions of copies of genomic DNA within a very short time. This amplification is useful in criminal cases where there are miniscule amounts of DNA available.  Today PCR finds application in almost all aspects of biomedicine. PCR has been used for the detection of many pathogenic organisms, from bacteria to viruses.
  • 15.
    Techniques used inDNA Fingerprinting Microsatellites  Simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 1 to 6 nucleotides in length, which show a high degree of polymorphism. Specific microsatellites can be isolated using hybridized probes followed by their sequencing.  Like any DNA fragment, SSRs can be detected by specific dyes or by radiolabelling using gel electrophoresis.  The advantage of using SSRs as molecular markers is the extent of polymorphism shown, which enables the detection of differences at multiple loci between strains .Coupled with chemical and morphological data, we can identify the plant species or strain of interest.
  • 16.
     The mainadvantage of using SSRs for fingerprinting is that small amounts of DNA are required compared to the restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) method. This is due to the large amounts of SSRs present in any genome.  Further, assays involving SSRs are more robust than random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs), making them up to seven times more efficient.  A drawback to using SSRs is the need to develop separate SSR primer sets for each species. The latest research suggests that SSRs will be involved in new methods of detection of alterations of specific sequences in the DNA.
  • 17.
    Restriction fragment lengthpolymorphisms  Unequal lengths of DNA fragments obtained by cutting Variable Number of Tandem Repeat (VNTRs) sequences up to 30 sequences long with restriction enzymes at specific sites.  VNTRs vary between plant species, as do the number and location of restriction enzyme-recognition sites.  On an agarose gel, RFLPs can be visualized using radiolabeled complementary DNA sequences.  There is no need for PCR amplification of DNA in this method. A routine southern blot experiment is used instead.
  • 18.
     Normally, RFLPsare used to identify the origins of a particular plant species, setting the stage for mapping its evolution.  There are some problems with the RFLP method of DNA fingerprinting. First, the results do not specifically indicate the chance of a match between two organisms. Secondly, the process involves a lot of money and labor, which not many laboratories can afford. Finally, unlike the microsatellites, a few loci in the assay must suffice.
  • 21.
    21 Electrophoresis DNA fragments of different sizes can be separated by using gel electrophoresis.  DNA fragments carry negative charges. When there is a current flow, DNA fragments move towards the anode. Source: Science Education Section, CDI, EDB.
  • 22.
    22 Outline ofElectrophoresis 1. DNA fragments are loaded into “wells” in a gel. The gel floats in a buffer solution within a chamber between two electrodes. 2. When an electric current is passed through the chamber, negatively charged fragments move towards the positive terminal. 3. Shorter DNA fragments (smaller size) move faster than the longer ones (bigger size). 4. In a given time, DNA fragments are separated into bands according to their size. “wells” Source: Science Education Section, CDI, EDB. Source: Science Education Section, CDI, EDB.
  • 24.
    Amplified fragment lengthpolymorphism (AFLP)  A PCR-based derivative method of RFLP in which sequences are selectively amplified using primers. It is a reliable and efficient method of detecting molecular markers.  DNA is cut with two restriction enzymes to generate specific sequences, which are then amplified suitably. The mere addition or deletion of bases at the 3′ end determines the selectivity and complexity of the amplification 4.  By using AFLP, it is possible to evaluate more loci than with RFLP or RAPD. AFLP is also capable of determining a large number of polymorphisms. Similar to SSRs, AFLP-based assays are cost-effective and can be automated.
  • 25.
    Random amplified polymorphicDNA is  One of the most commonly used primary assays for screening the differences in DNA sequences of two species of plants.  RAPD consists of fishing for the sequence using random amplification. Here, plant genomic DNA is cut and amplified using short single primers at low annealing temperatures, resulting in amplification at multiple loci.
  • 26.
     By runninga 2-dimensional electrophoresis gel, it is possible to determine the change in sequence pattern by superimposing the 2 gels. Once the band of interest is identified, the gel is cut, and the DNA is isolated and sequenced.  Using this target, DNA from other cultivars can be assessed using other techniques such as AFLP or SSRs. It is also more cost effective than RFLPs. RAPDs lack specificity, however, due to low annealing temperatures and easier reaction conditions.
  • 27.
     Other Methodsinclude the use of single nucleotide polymorphs (SNPs), DNA amplification fingerprinting (DAF) and their offshoots. Although these techniques vary slightly from each other, they operate on the same principle.
  • 29.
    CONCLUSION  DNAfingerprinting, apart from identifying alterations in the genotypes of plant species, is also used for the betterment of drug-yield by tissue culturing.  DNA of interest can be stored as germplasm, which is then used for future cultivation.  In addition, germplasmcan be used for the conservation of selected plant species, which are endangered such as Rauwolfia serpentina (Snake Root).  DNA fingerprinting of herbal drugs, though still in its early years, seems to be a promising tool for the authentication of medicinal plant species and for ensuring better quality herbs and nutraceuticals.
  • 30.
    References  1.Breithaupt, H. (2003) Back to the roots EMBO Rep 4(1): 10-12. 2. Mihalov, J. J., Marderosian, A. D., and Pierce, J. C. (2000) DNA identification of commercial ginseng samples J Agric Food Chem 48(8): 3744-3752. 3. Henry, R J. (2001) Plant Genotyping: The DNA fingerprinting of Plants, CABI Publishing, New York. 4. Ha, W. Y., Shaw, P. C., Liu, J., Yau, F. C., and Wang, J. (2002) Authentication of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and directed amplification of minisatellite region DNA (DAMD) J Agric Food Chem 50(7): 1871-1875.